If US gets rid of companion upgrades... they will lose me to United
It's the only reason I'm still with US is the unlimited, free companion upgrades. I use it all the time -- in fact often get large groups of 3 or 4 upgraded on same PNR with multiple elites. AA only allows one companion upgrade and it has to be on a full-fare ticket. So basically, no companion upgrades other than purchased or with coupons.
It's the only reason I'm still with US is the unlimited, free companion upgrades. I use it all the time -- in fact often get large groups of 3 or 4 upgraded on same PNR with multiple elites. AA only allows one companion upgrade and it has to be on a full-fare ticket. So basically, no companion upgrades other than purchased or with coupons.
The bolded portion is not exactly correct. AA elites may upgrade a companion on any published fare. Only wrinkle is that the upgrade is not free - it requires the use of 500-milers. My top-tier domestic upgrades are UDU (free).
As an EXP, I frequently travel with companions and I'm usually successful in upgrading both of us, as my companion "shares" my status for upgrade purposes.
It's the only reason I'm still with US is the unlimited, free companion upgrades. I use it all the time -- in fact often get large groups of 3 or 4 upgraded on same PNR with multiple elites. AA only allows one companion upgrade and it has to be on a full-fare ticket. So basically, no companion upgrades other than purchased or with coupons.
Wow. Didn't know that. Wish I didn't know it now. This has certainly been one of the best perks for me on US.
As I muse about this .... It seems to reflect what I enjoy about US -- that it is not so big, that it has a lot of kettle routes, and the number of preferreds is comparatively few. Sure, if I had scads of business travelers wanting F upgrades, no way would I want just a couple of them to grab most of the cabin for their party. But, yeah, I'm flying on airlines, not running them, and this would be a huge loss.
The bolded portion is not exactly correct. AA elites may upgrade a companion on any published fare. Only wrinkle is that the upgrade is not free - it requires the use of 500-milers. My top-tier domestic upgrades are UDU (free).
As an EXP, I frequently travel with companions and I'm usually successful in upgrading both of us, as my companion "shares" my status for upgrade purposes.
Yeah but that's the whole point -- have to use 500-mile certs which you either earn or buy. On US, no coupons or $$$ needed, regardless of fare. And you can upgrade more than just one companion pretty easily, too. Got a group of 4 upgraded at CP window for international flight just recently. At no cost whatsoever. No other airline has anything like that.
Programs: DL Plat/million, AA 1 mil, HH Diamond, SPG Gold
Posts: 16,485
A typical AA EXP is going to have plenty of free stickers. He earns them but really can't use them for anything other than companion upgrades - all EXP 'domestic' upgrades are free. AA has just one restriction on the companion's fare - it must be paid.
If the point is ability to upgrade more than one companion, enjoy it with US.
An AA EXP is going to have plenty of free stickers. He earns them but really can't use them for anything other than companion upgrades - all EXP 'domestic' upgrades are free.
We (EXPs) haven't earned stickers since March, 2004 (when EXP were granted UDU), and for those of us who have been EXP continuously since then, most of us used up our earned stickers years ago.
Someone who just earned EXP after years of Gold and/or Plat may have lots of earned stickers, but generally not those of us who have been EXP for those nine years.
Meh. One of the upsides I can see of this merger--- assuming it happens AND assuming there's a honeymoon period of sorts where benefits in the combined program are generous--- is that a US CP gets 2 sets of CP one-way upgrades which allow you to also upgrade a companion (but the companion benefit is lost if you travel alone, you can't apply all 4 to yourself), so that is maximum 4 upgrade certificates for International travel, whereas AA gives 8 SWU, which you can use on yourself, your companion, or (as I understand) even sponsor an upgrade when you yourself are not flying the itinerary.
There's going to be places where AA is stronger, and places where US is stronger. And the combined program--- again IF it happens--- will likely not look like AA's program or US' program but rather some weird hybrid.
I'm still not sure which direction I will go IF there is a merger, but I'm keeping mental track of my priorities and will decide to stay or jump ship once the details are known. For me, I'd trade in any free companion upgrade benefit in a heartbeat if I got more International upgrades in the bargain, but that's just based on my own priorities.
PS I believe US requires a ratio of 1 elite to 1 non-elite in a PNR (so 4 pax = 2 elite at a minimum) before they will UDU a larger party. If your PNR is 1 elite and 3 non-elites, I don't think that will get you an upgrade.
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Some folks STILL haven't gotten their prizes from the Top Flyer contest, and that makes me really sad. What's the holdup, IB?
With B6 adding more service to BOS, it won't matter soon what US does.... Certainly going the AA route with companion upgrades will certainly diminish any business i have with them..... not to mention if they go to One World!
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Always on my way to someplace else....
Meh. One of the upsides I can see of this merger--- assuming it happens AND assuming there's a honeymoon period of sorts where benefits in the combined program are generous--- is that a US CP gets 2 sets of CP one-way upgrades which allow you to also upgrade a companion (but the companion benefit is lost if you travel alone, you can't apply all 4 to yourself), so that is maximum 4 upgrade certificates for International travel, whereas AA gives 8 SWU, which you can use on yourself, your companion, or (as I understand) even sponsor an upgrade when you yourself are not flying the itinerary.
There's going to be places where AA is stronger, and places where US is stronger. And the combined program--- again IF it happens--- will likely not look like AA's program or US' program but rather some weird hybrid.
I'm still not sure which direction I will go IF there is a merger, but I'm keeping mental track of my priorities and will decide to stay or jump ship once the details are known. For me, I'd trade in any free companion upgrade benefit in a heartbeat if I got more International upgrades in the bargain, but that's just based on my own priorities.
PS I believe US requires a ratio of 1 elite to 1 non-elite in a PNR (so 4 pax = 2 elite at a minimum) before they will UDU a larger party. If your PNR is 1 elite and 3 non-elites, I don't think that will get you an upgrade.
I was told that 2+2 doesn't work anymore - need to split the reservation with one elite on each record.
Programs: US Chairman (0.067 MM), DL dirt, A3, AA twig
Posts: 720
Quote:
Originally Posted by jfinsocal
I was told that 2+2 doesn't work anymore - need to split the reservation with one elite on each record.
I've had multiple experiences where the max PNR for upgrading is 2 people, status or not. This summer, FLL-PHX-SEA, had 4 people (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 no status) and was denied upgrades by the computer b/c PNR had total of 4 people even though PHX-SEA was wide open w/ O inventory. Gold desk told me that "new policy" (BS, IMO) is 2 people only. Had this confirmed by 3 separate desk agents. Hmmmmm
I've had multiple experiences where the max PNR for upgrading is 2 people, status or not. This summer, FLL-PHX-SEA, had 4 people (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 no status) and was denied upgrades by the computer b/c PNR had total of 4 people even though PHX-SEA was wide open w/ O inventory. Gold desk told me that "new policy" (BS, IMO) is 2 people only. Had this confirmed by 3 separate desk agents. Hmmmmm
I did not know this.
I do not like this.
I usually travel with my wife (CP+GP) but once in a while we have a third (no status) person with us.
I've had such mixed experiences with this. Sometimes the gate agents do it without blinking an eye and sometimes they say they can't unless we're on the the same itinerary. I know speaking to the Chairman's liaison is completely useless.
I had a flight earlier this year with 2 companions (using companion certificate) and they allowed the 2nd upgrade for free but wanted to charge for the 3rd. We said no thanks and one of us sat in coach both ways. So the additional people getting upgraded for free is news to me (and would be useful for travel next year).
Programs: US Chairman's Preferred, FL A+ Elite, SPG Platinum,
Posts: 13
Quote:
Originally Posted by PaceLaw2012
I've had multiple experiences where the max PNR for upgrading is 2 people, status or not. This summer, FLL-PHX-SEA, had 4 people (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 no status) and was denied upgrades by the computer b/c PNR had total of 4 people even though PHX-SEA was wide open w/ O inventory. Gold desk told me that "new policy" (BS, IMO) is 2 people only. Had this confirmed by 3 separate desk agents. Hmmmmm
While this appears to be a YMMV situation, I (Chairman's Preferred) flew DFW-CLT-PUJ-CLT-DFW in September of this year with my significant other (Silver) and another couple (no status) on a single PNR. All four of us were automatically upgraded in advance of the Silver upgrade window.
